Police foil rhino poaching attempt, arrest one

Police have disrupted a suspected rhino poaching attempt near Seven Fountains in the Eastern Cape, arresting a 32-year-old man and seizing a high-calibre hunting rifle.

The operation began on Monday night after an off-duty member of the South African Police Service (Saps) Port Alfred K9 Unit received intelligence at 11 pm about potential rhino poaching on a farm in the area.

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According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, the officer immediately placed himself and his certified patrol dog, K9 Kayzer, on duty to act on the information.

“Upon arrival at the farm, the K9 member and the Saps Makhanda Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES) worked in conjunction with an Anti-Poaching Unit to conduct waylay duties and maintain close surveillance of the targeted area throughout the night,” McCarthy said.

At about 10:50 am on Tuesday, the team spotted three suspects, who fled on foot into the surrounding bush when they noticed the officers.

A chase followed, with the K9 team apprehending one of the suspects.

“During the arrest, police recovered an unloaded .375 H&H high-calibre hunting rifle, an unattached silencer and various poaching implements,” McCarthy said.

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The arrested man faces charges including possession of an unlicensed firearm and conspiracy to commit rhino poaching.

He is expected to appear in the Makhanda Magistrates’ Court.

A search operation is continuing to find the two remaining suspects who escaped.

Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso commended the team’s response, highlighting the officer’s decision to act despite being off duty.

“The selflessness of an off-duty member placing himself and his K9 partner on immediate duty to protect our endangered wildlife speaks volumes about the calibre of officers within our ranks,” she said.

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“This successful disruption sends a clear message to poaching syndicates that our members are always vigilant, on or off duty. We will continue to protect our infrastructure and heritage with every resource at our disposal.”